Czech authorities suspect that Russia may be responsible for an attempt to set public transport buses on fire in Prague last week, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said on Monday.
A 26-year-old suspect was arrested on Saturday and charged with terrorism related to the failed attack on Thursday.
The suspect, who hails from Latin America, could face life imprisonment if found guilty, said Police Chief Martin Vondrasek.
“There is suspicion that the attack was likely organized and financed by Russia,” said Fiala.
He emphasized that the failed attack was possibly part of Russia’s hybrid warfare against his country.
Fiala added that this attempt was part of Russia’s ongoing efforts “to undermine citizens’ trust in our state.”
The Czech Republic is a strong supporter of Ukraine in its war against the Russian invasion, which began in 2022.
“Unfortunately, this is not the first instance,” said Fiala, mentioning a major explosion in an ammunition depot allegedly caused by Russian spies.
Czech leaders said in 2021 that they had evidence proving the involvement of two agents from Russia’s military intelligence agency in the 2014 explosion, which killed two people.
Russia has denied involvement.
Following Thursday’s arson attempt, Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan suggested that similar attacks might be planned in other European countries but declined to provide details.
Police increased security in the Czech capital over the weekend due to this incident, which occurred during the European Parliament elections.
